Explore the most popular trail running trails near Rhododendron with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.

This was a beautiful and easy hike. Mostly flat hike with some moderate up hill areas. The river is easy to get across on the logs, but could be hard with pets or small children. There are a few beautiful views of Mount Hood, especially near the river you have to cross. Ramona Falls was even bigger than I expected, it’s definitely worth the hike! The area around Ramona Falls is roped off for vegetation regrowth, so please obey the signs and don’t pass over the rope.

Longer than 11.5 miles I think. Hike starts off at Timberline Lodge and is relatively flat, going under the ski left and through some forested/open areas. The trail then opens up into a canyon and you dip down through old trees. Down some little patches of water and through switch backs. You then have to cross the Zig Zag River, not too bad but made my friend a little nervous. You then climb up and through more canyons and near a waterfall. Nice long hike through lots of terrain. Gorgeous!

I'm sure this would have been a lovely hike, however, make sure you don't bring dogs or young kids. I went on 11/3/18 and the river water was rushing badly enough that we couldn't figure out a safe way to cross with dogs. We went up and down the river as far as we could find but there wasn't any where with a log large enough for a big dog to cross comfortably. Perhaps if we had harnesses on the dogs and could have them walk across with some help with the leash? We ended up turning around after my friend's border collie tried leaping off the log a foot in. I did see two sets of families with two big dogs each and I wish I had asked them how they got across. Overall, I'm willing to take risks but I'd skip this until Summer if you've got a dog large enough that you can't carry them.

Absolutely worth the hike, arrived just after 8 am on a Sunday and had the trail to ourselves. Definitely not kid or big dog friendly unless they can cross the log in the river. Round trip took about 3 hours and that’s with stopping up by the falls to refuel & enjoy the view.

Day couldn’t have been much better (unless it was sunny, twenty degrees warmer, and no other people...). I’d be inclined to reconsider this as moderate, or at least at the lower end. It’s thoroughly enjoyable, and the loop to follow the stream downward, to me, is absolutely worth it.

Last time I did this was a year and a half ago during a heat streak. Both times of year offer something different and wonderful.

This was a great beautiful and easy hike! We had planned on making the loop bigger and checking out the views of Bald Mt. too, but my my partner was getting sick and not up for 13 miles! I’d do this hike again in a heartbeat!!

Amazing views and absolutely stunning in the fall. A few things to note...

-The road to the trailhead gets a little rocky and rough. But there was a Miata parked up there,so my fear for the rental car quickly ended. -At the top of the Top Spur trail, take a right towards another trail junction of about three trails. -Take the second trail on the right marked with a Mt Hood wilderness sign on the tree. This is the best side to start the loop as you’ll be facing Mt Hood head on with excellent views while you walk. -After you re-enter the forest and Mt Hood views are gone, you’ll come to another trail junction. -Take the Cut Off trail if you’re looking to shorten the hike. Otherwise you’ll continue on the 38 mile Timberline Trail. -The Cut Off trail is short and will you drop you back on to the other side of the the Timberline trail. You can take a left to get back to the major junction. -You’ll continue heading down until you cut back left to descend the Top Spur Trail.

Hiked this trail yesterday (Sunday). It was a beautiful hike! Lots of fall colors, saw a couple salmon, some amazing views.

Just be sure to have solid hiking shoes as it’s a pretty rocky trail in some parts. I could be hyper sensitive since I rolled my ankle earlier in the year, but if you went with just tennis shoes, you could really hurt yourself.

We started around 9:30 in the morning and saw only a couple people on the way up, lots more people on the way back.

My brother & I hiked this trail and it was yet another GREAT and WORTHY hike for sure. There are some pretty AWESOME views on the way to the ASTOUNDING looking waterfall and is also a very good hike because the journey back has different views and is a different cool trail because it's a loop hike.

P.S. There are some GNARLY potholes on the way to the parking spot but as long as your aware of how and where your driving even a compact car like mine is able to make it without damaging your vehicle.

Awesome hike with different terrain throughout. Went on an amazingly clear day and could see several peaks. Took us 5 hours and was well worth it. More traffic around 2pm than there was at 10am. Highly recommend if Mirror Lake is too crowded

Very picturesque and mild hike. The elevation climb was gradual that it felt very easy. It was an overcast day so we kept a good pace. The river crossing was easy since the water was low. The falls were smaller than I imagined but still quite beautiful.

A long but very easy doable hike. I definitely suggest completing the loop, because the way back is a lot prettier and more exciting IMO. Use caution when crossing the river, there was a decent log for crossing, but water was flowing too hard to walk through. Use discretion about bringing your dog(s)! With no bridge they either have to walk through the river or cross a log, which the water was too fierce for the poor Shepherd I saw be forced across by his owner, and was very scared. The stream is lower and less fierce when it hasn’t been raining as well as earlier in the AM. A beautiful waterfall and peaceful place to sit and enjoy. Definitely a great hike for a cloudy day when Mt Hood isn’t visible or anyway!

The trail was great and beautiful, but I should have heeded the warning about the bad road. My '06 Dodge Charger, low to the ground, hit a huge pot hole that cracked my coolant tank and the return trip to Portland was less than fun with overheating and pulling over until Fred Meyer in Gresham. Low cars, be careful!

Absolutely beautiful hike to a stunning, cascading waterfall. probably best to AVOID WHEN RAINING you have to cross a river and The logs get very slippery....slipped and sprained my ankle...but,still worth it! Lol

I’ve done this hike a few times. The falls are beautiful and peaceful, perhaps the most spectacular on the mountain. Take your time enjoy a snack at the falls and snap a few photos on the bridge. Make the loop to see the rocky cliffs and walk along the stream. The only tricky part is crossing the Sandy River, but there are usually big logs and a couple of options for crossing.

Holy WOW! What a beautiful hike! 12.8 miles in 5 hours (moving). Not sure if one way is better than the other when you get to the loop. I went right. I’ll go straight if I do it again. I definitely would’ve preferred Scotty to beam me out the last 2 miles, but whatever. What an absolute joy this trail is!

arrived at the trail head early afternoon and the parking lot was full so waited till there was less cars and then got on the trail. saw a few groups at the start but was quiet the rest of the way. the walk is enjoyable and the falls are sweet! definitely do this counter clockwise.